Lazarus, come out! (John 11:43)Let's examine a few easily missed ingredients in this miracle narrative.
First: This story is found only in John's Gospel, who seems to describe this event as the tipping point leading to the crucifixion.
Second: In Luke's introduction of the sisters, Martha is all business but Mary displays a more emotional side (Luke 10:38-42). Upon Jesus' arrival, both offer the same greeting: If you had been here, my brother would not have died (Martha in 11:21 and Mary in v. 32), but Jesus' responses to the sisters could not have been more different. To practical Martha: Your brother will rise again. . . . I am the resurrection and the life (vv. 23,25), but when he sees Mary and those with her weeping, he breaks down as well (v. 33-35). His response to each is congruent with their personalities.
Third: The religious leaders respond with a hastily called meeting of the Sanhedrin (the Jewish Supreme Court). Together they determine that this miracle is drawing unwanted attention from the people and the Romans alike. So from that day on they plotted to take [Jesus'] life (v. 53).
Fourth: I don't remember this from Sunday School, but John tells us that Caiaphas and Annas (the chief priests) put out a hit on Lazarus too (12:10). Lazarus walking around was too big a threat. Better to put him back in the ground and deny the miracle ever happened.
Jesus knows us intimately. How would he respond to you?
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